This Minecraft map lets kids rebuild London after the Great Fire of 1666 (and learn about history while they do it)

Children can become heroic architects working to rebuild the remnants of London after the Great Fire of 1666 with the third and final free map in the educational Minecraft series released by the Museum of London.

Great Fire 1666: The Rebuild challenges players to rebuild London after the fire and design their own version of the city. It follows the first and second maps in the series which were released in July and September last year.

Roam the ruined streets of the capital before meeting King Charles II at the Guildhall to hear his plea for a new London. Four architects who submitted rebuilding plans – Christopher Wren (who’s best known for later designing St Paul’s Cathedral), Valentine Knight, John Evelyn and Richard Newcourt – express their ideas for a new London to inspire the player, including wider streets, large open squares, public markets and fountains and charging a levy to use a new canal.

Some of the characters are voiced by well-known YouTubers BigBStaz, NinjaBob and Wizard Keen – with King Charles II played by Stampy’s dad.

The Museum of London mixed its historical expertise and rich resources with less reality-based know-how: digital producer Adam Clarke and Minecraft professionals BlockWorks and Dragnoz.

Adam works globally with institutions, museums and schools using Minecraft and other technologic games to educate and entertain. He plays Wizard Keen in children’s educational Minecraft show – Wonder Quest – alongside fellow YouTuber Stampy.

Dragnoz also worked on production design for Wonder Quest and other game design projects. As a YouTube personality himself, you can check out his education games on his website. The BlockWorks team is made up of 40 international builders, animators and artists – put together to produce Minecraft builds.

Great Fire 1666: The Rebuild is available to download for Minecraft on Mac and Windows here.

The series is part of the Museum of London’s various projects marking the 350th anniversary of the Great Fire of London. Find out more about the interactive exhibitions here.

The first map of the series was based on Wenceslaus Hollar’s map of burnt London from the museum’s collection. The second map puts the user as the hero – saving residents in mini-games, fighting the fire and chatting to famous figures from the time.